Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder

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Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A condition involving prominent hallucinations or delusions that develop during or shortly after substance intoxication or withdrawal.

Overview

Substance-induced psychotic disorder involves prominent hallucinations or delusions that develop during or soon after substance intoxication or withdrawal, or after exposure to a medication, and are attributable to the substance’s physiological effects.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include hallucinations or delusions occurring in close temporal relationship to substance use, which typically improve as the substance clears the body. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

Certain substances, including stimulants, cannabis, and hallucinogens, are more commonly associated with triggering psychotic symptoms, particularly with heavy or prolonged use.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Substance use treatment addressing the underlying use pattern is central to preventing recurrence.

Medication

Antipsychotic medication may be used short-term for acute symptoms, alongside management of substance withdrawal or intoxication. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.

Living With Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder

If psychotic symptoms occur alongside substance use, prompt medical evaluation is important to rule out other causes and ensure safety.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Symptoms often resolve as the substance clears the body, though close follow-up is important, as some individuals go on to develop a primary psychotic disorder.

Related Conditions

Schizophrenia

A chronic psychotic disorder involving disruptions in thinking, perception, and behavior, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Stimulant Use Disorder

A substance use disorder involving a problematic pattern of stimulant use, such as amphetamine-type substances, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

Cannabis Use Disorder

A pattern of cannabis use that leads to significant impairment or distress.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.